1.
Civil society perspectives
on regional efforts
FIAN, ECVC, IPC
6 October, 11-12.30

2.
Key issues, challenges and opportunities
1. Hoarding of land is becoming a problem in Europe as land holding are
growing whilst land available to small scale farmers is reducing
2. There is a political opening in the European parliament through the
INI report that has been voted for by a large majority which can form
the basis for a new approach at the European level. This report can
form the basis of a platform for further debate and engagement
3. Need to find ways to allow for national legislation to protect land
without falling foul of EU legislation around the 4 freedoms. This
underlines the need for a directive European framework on land
tenure

3.
In Asia, VGGTs are offering an opportunity to have new conversations
around tenure; useful in shaping new land policies in Nepal and
Myanmar
4. The national land use policy adopted by Myanmar in 2016 is in line
with the spirit of VGGT and incorporates customary land tenure in
it. In the same spirit, the law on agricultural lands in Mali has been
adopted in 2017, following the push by peasant organizations an
social movements acting as drivers in a multi-actor platform.
Key issues, challenges and opportunities

4.
6. Small scale fisherfolk are still very much a policy orphan in South
Africa. New policy passed in 2016 is still to be implemented.
7. VGGT has revealed itself as a powerful tool for creating solidarity,
empowerment and hope amongst fisherfolk in South Africa.
8. Violence against social movements, indigenous peoples and
community leaders in conflict areas is affecting people’s struggles
on land tenure issues
Key issues, challenges and opportunities

5.
Main lessons learned/recommendations
1. VGGT have been instrumental in triggering processes at the local level around
tenure issues and promoting reflections on what policy changes are necessary to
advance the rights of small scale food producers and indigenous groups.
2. The policy process however tends to prioritize profits over human rights and this is
a mindset that needs to be challenged
3. Policy dialogue platforms have worked where they have been dynamic, ensured
sustained action and engagement, while being respectful of the distinct roles of
different actors
4. There could be significant gains in mobilizing communication efforts to document
local (customary) tenure systems as well as build a deeper understanding of the
VGGT guidelines and their eventual translation into policy

6.
Next steps – the way forward
1. In Europe – focus on getting national governments to understand the value and relevance
of the guidelines and have a new common framework based on the VGGTs to ensure
secure access to land by small farmers, with a special focus on young and new farmers,
secure agricultural use of land and reverse the current land concentration process
2. In Asia – Continue to build on efforts to engage both communities, governments and policy
makers in a dialogue aimed at strengthening tenure systems and that would protect the
rights of smallholder groups and fisherfolk
3. In South Africa – build local capacity and knowledge both within fisherfolk and other
smallholder groups as well as local government officials to enable a greater possibility of
productive dialogue and policy success
4. Effective protection of human rights defenders working on natural resources, in particular
leaders of communities, indigenous peoples and social movements